Transfer assist apparatus

ABSTRACT

A person support apparatus comprises a lower frame, a support, and an upper frame. The support is coupled to the lower frame. The upper frame has a head section and a foot section and defines a longitudinal axis passing through the head section and the foot section and a lateral axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The upper frame includes a tilt mechanism pivotably coupling the upper frame to the support. The tilt mechanism includes a base and a rocker nested within the base. The base and the rocker are pivotable with respect to one another about a pivot axis that passes through the base and the rocker and is substantially parallel the longitudinal axis. The upper frame is pivotable about the pivot axis with respect to the lower frame.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates to transfer assist apparatuses, and moreparticularly, but not exclusively, to transfer assist apparatuses thatcan be adapted to pivot an upper frame of a person support apparatuslaterally (side to side) in order to reduce the amount of force requiredto transfer a person supported on the patient support apparatus toanother support apparatus.

It is often necessary for caregivers to transfer people/patients fromone support apparatus to another, and/or assist with patient egress fromthe support apparatus. In order to transfer the person, caregivers canbe required to physically pull or lift a portion of the person or amaterial under the person. Often times only a single caregiver transfersthe person, which requires the caregiver to exert the total amount offorce needed to transfer the person and can increase the risk of injuryto the caregiver and person. Over time the strain of transferring peoplein this manner can lead to caregivers suffering back injuries. Whilevarious transfer assist apparatuses have been developed, in certainapplications there is still room for improvement. Thus, a need persistsfor further contributions in this area of technology.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One embodiment can include a tilt mechanism rotatably coupling an upperframe to a support that can be adapted to pivot the upper framelaterally (side to side) with respect to the support about a rotationalaxis and maintain an orientation of the upper frame with respect to thesupport. In other embodiments, a synchronization system can be coupledwith a plurality of tilt mechanisms to synchronize rotation of the tiltmechanisms.

Additional features, which alone or in combination with any otherfeature(s), such as those listed above and/or those listed in theclaims, can comprise patentable subject matter and will become apparentto those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detaileddescription of various embodiments exemplifying the best mode ofcarrying out the embodiments as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective side view of a person support apparatusaccording to one illustrative embodiment of the current disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective side view of the upper frame of the personsupport apparatus of FIG. 1 including tilt mechanisms and asynchronization system according to one illustrative embodiment of thecurrent disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the upper frame of the person supportapparatus of FIG. 1 including the tilt mechanisms and without thesynchronization system.

FIG. 4 is a perspective side view of the tilt mechanisms of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is perspective side view of the tilt mechanisms of FIG. 2illustrating the tilt rocker.

FIG. 6 is a perspective side view of a tilt mechanism including adampener according to another illustrative embodiment of the currentdisclosure.

FIG. 7 is a zoom view of the synchronization system of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective side view of the tilt mechanisms of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a partial cutaway perspective side view of the tilt mechanismsof FIG. 6 illustrating the tilt base and locking mechanism

FIG. 10 is a perspective bottom view of the tilt mechanisms of FIG. 6illustrating the tilt rocker and locking mechanism.

FIG. 11 is a side plan view of the locking mechanism and tilt rocker ofFIG. 6 locked in a pivoted position utilizing the upper positioningsurface.

FIG. 12 is a side plan view of the locking mechanism and tilt rocker ofFIG. 6 in locked in a pivoted position utilizing the lower positioninggroove.

FIG. 13 is a side plan view of the locking mechanism and tilt rocker ofFIG. 6 unlocked in a horizontal position.

FIG. 14 is a side perspective view of the tilt mechanism of FIG. 6including a dampener.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

While the present disclosure can take many different forms, for thepurpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of thedisclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated inthe drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same.No limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended.Various alterations, further modifications of the described embodiments,and any further applications of the principles of the disclosure, asdescribed herein, are contemplated.

One embodiment can include a tilt mechanism rotatably coupling an upperframe to a support that can be adapted to pivot the upper framelaterally (side to side) with respect to the support about a rotationalaxis and maintain an orientation of the upper frame with respect to thesupport. In other embodiments, a synchronization system can be coupledwith a plurality of tilt mechanisms to synchronize rotation of the tiltmechanisms.

A person support apparatus 10 according to one illustrative embodimentof the current disclosure is shown in FIG. 1. The person supportapparatus 10 can be a stretcher that can include a head section H1,where the head of a person (not shown) is positioned, and a foot sectionF1, where the feet of a person (not shown) are positioned. It should beappreciated that the person support apparatus 10 can be a bed 10 orother support apparatus configured to support a person thereon. Theperson support apparatus 10 can include a lower frame 12 or base 12, anupper frame 14, and a plurality of supports 16 coupled with the upperframe 14 and the lower frame 12. It should be appreciated that theperson support apparatus 10 can include only one support 16.

The person support apparatus 10 can support a person support surface 18on the upper frame 14 as shown in FIG. 1. The person support surface 18can be configured to support a person (not shown) in multiplearticulated positions. The person support surface 18 can be formed of asingle section. It should be appreciated that the person support surface18 can be formed of multiple sections that can be pivoted relative theupper frame 14 to raise and lower the head and/or feet of the personsupported thereon.

The lower frame 12 can couple with the supports 16 to support thesupports 16 and the upper frame 14 as shown in FIG. 1. The lower frame12 can include a single lower frame section supported by casters 20. Itshould be appreciated that the lower frame 12 can include multiple lowerframe sections. It should also be appreciated that the lower frame 12can be supported by non-rotating feet (not shown) instead of or inaddition to casters 20.

The supports 16 can movably support the upper frame 14 above the lowerframe 12 as shown in FIG. 1. The supports 16 can define a vertical axisZ1 that can extend through the lower frame 12 and the upper frame 14 andcan be substantially perpendicular the lower frame 12 and the upperframe 14 when the lower frame 12 is substantially parallel to the upperframe 14. The supports 16 can be lift mechanisms 16 with a lift driver(not shown) that can cause the lift mechanisms 16 to expand and/orcontract to raise and/or lower the upper frame 14 with respect to thelower frame 12. It should be appreciated that the supports 16 can betelescoping towers or canisters, scissor lifts, rotational lifts,hydraulic lifts or actuators, pneumatic lifts or actuators, linearactuators, electronic actuators, chain lifts, or other lift mechanisms.It should also be appreciated that the supports 16 can not be liftmechanisms 16 and can instead be at least one fixed column. The supports16 can include at least one of a linear actuator, a hydraulic actuator,an electric actuator, a rotary actuator, a chain actuator, a pneumaticactuator, or other actuator.

The upper frame 14 can define a longitudinal axis X1 that extends atleast the length of the person support apparatus 10 through the head endH1 and the foot end F1 along the lateral center of the upper frame 14,and a lateral axis Y1 or transverse axis Y1 that can be perpendicularthe longitudinal axis X1 and extend at least the width of the personsupport apparatus 10 through the longitudinal center of the upper frame14 as illustrated in FIG. 1. The upper frame 14 can be raised and/orlowered relative to the lower frame 12 by the supports. The angularorientation of the upper frame 14 can change relative to the lower frame12 between a Trendelenberg position where the head end H1 of the upperframe 14 is below the foot end F1 of the upper frame 14 and a reverseTrendelenberg position where the head end H1 of the upper frame 14 isabove the foot end F1 of the upper frame 14.

The upper frame 14 can include longitudinal frame members 22, lateralframe members 24, tilt mechanisms 26, and a synchronization system 28for synchronizing actuation of the tilt mechanisms 26 as shown in FIG.5. It should be appreciated that the upper frame 14 can also include afootboard (not shown), a head board (not shown), and/or side rails SR1that can be supported by the upper frame 14. It should also beappreciated that the upper frame 14 can include a deck (not shown)supported by an intermediate frame (not shown), where the deck caninclude multiple sections that can articulate about various axes. Itshould further be appreciated that the synchronization system 28 can notbe included, and instead, the tilt mechanisms 26 can be actuatedindependently or simultaneously by one or more operators as illustratedin FIG. 3. The longitudinal frame members 22 and lateral frame members24 can be coupled together to form a generally rectangular shape. Itshould be appreciated that the upper frame 14 can include additionalframe members, such as, cross members (not shown), that can be coupledwith the longitudinal frame members 22 and the lateral frame members 24to provide additional support.

The tilt mechanisms 26 can be coupled to the supports 16 and canpivotably couple the upper frame 14 to the supports 16 as shown in FIGS.2 and 3. It should be appreciated that the tilt mechanisms 26 can bepivotably coupled to the supports 16. The tilt mechanisms 26 can bepivotably coupled to the upper frame 14 and at least one of the tiltmechanisms 26 can be pivotably coupled to a trolley 30 that can movewith respect to the upper frame 14. It should be appreciated that thetrolley 30 can engage a track (not shown) on the upper frame 14. Itshould also be appreciated that the trolleys 30 can be tubes thatsurround a portion of the longitudinal frame members 22 and slide alongthe longitudinal frame members 22 or include wheels (not shown) thatengage the longitudinal frame members 22. In one illustrativeembodiment, one of the tilt mechanisms 26 can be pivotably coupled tothe upper frame 14 via a pin 32 defining a first pivot axis P1, andanother of the tilt mechanisms 26 can be pivotably coupled to thetrolley 30 via a pin 32 defining a second pivot axis P2. It should beappreciated that all of the tilt mechanisms 26 can be pivotably coupledto trolleys 30. The first pivot axis P1 and the second pivot axis P2 canbe substantially parallel one another, and the lateral axis Y1. The tiltmechanism 26 can be located at each of the head end H1 and the foot endF1 of the upper frame 14. In one illustrative embodiment, the tiltmechanism 26 can also include a force sensor (not shown), such as, forexample, a load cell, coupled thereto to sense changes in force on theupper frame 14. It should be appreciated that the force sensor can beincorporated into the pins 32.

The tilt mechanisms 26 can include a tilt base 34, a tilt rocker 36, arocker pin 38, and a locking mechanism 40 as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and5. The tilt rocker 36 and the tilt base 34 can be coupled together byway of the rocker pin 38. The rocker pin 38 can define a rocker pivotaxis R1 parallel to the longitudinal axis X1 about which the tilt base34 can pivot with respect to the tilt rocker 36. The tilt base 34 canpivot with respect to the tilt rocker 36 when the locking mechanism 40is in an unlocked position, and the tilt base 34 can be substantiallystationary with respect to the tilt rocker 36 when the locking mechanism40 is in a locked position. In one illustrative embodiment, the tiltmechanism 26 can include a dampener 142, described below, that can becoupled with the tilt rocker 36 and the tilt base 34 to resist rotationof the tilt base 34 with respect to the tilt rocker 36, for example, asshown in FIG. 14. It should be appreciated that the dampener 142 can beconfigured to operate as the locking mechanism 40, for example, thedampener 142 can be a gas locking dampener 142.

The tilt base 34 can include base sides 44, base ends 46, and stoppers48 as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. The base sides 44 can couple withthe base ends 46 to form a generally rectangular shape. The base sides44 can include stopper bores 50, a locking mechanism bore 52, and arocker pin bore 54. The stopper bores 50 and the locking mechanism bore52 can be located proximate the ends of the base sides 44, and therocker pin bore 54 can be located proximate the midpoint of base sides44. It should be appreciated that the stopper bores 50 and the lockingmechanism bore 52 can be located anywhere along the base sides 44 or thebase ends 46.

The stoppers 48 can be rods 48 that can extend between the base sides 44and can be adapted to limit the movement of the tilt rocker 36 asillustrated in FIG. 5. The stoppers 48 can be received and retainedwithin the stopper bores 50. It should be appreciated that the stoppers48 can be protrusions that couple with or be integrally formed with thebase sides 44 and/or base ends 46. The stoppers 48 can prevent the tiltrocker 36 from rotating a magnitude of more than about 30° with respectto the tilt base 34 where the tilt rocker 36 and the tilt base 34 are atabout 0° of rotation with respect to one another when the upper frame 14is substantially parallel to the lower frame 12. It should beappreciated that the stoppers 48 can allow for more or less than amagnitude of 30° of rotation; however, the risk of the person supportedon the upper frame 14 rolling and/or falling off of the upper frame 14increases as the angle between the tilt rocker 36 and the tilt base 34increases in magnitude.

The tilt rocker 36 can be coupled with the supports 16 and rotationallycoupled with the tilt base 34 via the rocker pin 38 as illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 5. It should be appreciated that the tilt rocker 36 can beintegrated into the supports 16. The tilt rocker 36 can include rockersides 56, a rocker top 58, and a rocker bar 60. The rocker sides 56 canbe integrally formed with the rocker top 58 to form a U-shape. It shouldbe appreciated that the tilt rocker 36 can be integrally formed with thesupports 16. It should be appreciated that the rocker sides 56 cancouple with the rocker top 58 to form the U-shape. The rocker sides 56can include a rocker pin bore 62, stopper engaging portions 64, and arotational positioning portion 66. It should be appreciated that therocker sides 56 can not include the rotational positioning portion 66where the locking mechanism 40 cooperates with the tilt rocker 36 andtilt base 34 to maintain the orientation of the upper frame 14 withrespect to the lower frame 12. The rocker pin bore 62 can be locatedproximate the center of the rocker sides 56 and can be concentricallyaligned with the rocker pin bore 54 of the tilt base 34. The stopperengaging portions 64 can be located proximate the ends of the rockersides 56 and engage the stoppers 48 to limit the motion of the tilt base34 with respect to the tilt rocker 36.

The rotational positioning portion 66 includes positioning bores 68 thatcan be located proximate the locking mechanism bore 52 of the tilt base34 when the rocker pin bore 62 of the tilt rocker 36 can beconcentrically aligned with the rocker pin bore 54 of the tilt base 34as illustrated in FIG. 5. The positioning bores 68 can be radiallydispersed along an arc that can be concentric with an arc that therocker pin bore 62 moves along as the tilt base 34 pivots with respectto the tilt rocker 36. The positioning bores 68 can be positioned suchthat the tilt base 34 can be maintained substantially stationary at anangle of at least one of about 0°, +10°, and −10° with respect to thetilt rocker 36 when the locking mechanism 40 engages the positioningbores 68. It should be appreciated that the positioning bores 68 can bepositioned such that the tilt base 34 can held substantially stationaryanywhere between about −30° and about +30° with respect to the tiltrocker 36.

The rocker bar 60 can be positioned within the U-shape formed by therocker sides 56 and the rocker top 58 as shown in FIG. 5. It should beappreciated that the rocker bar 60 can be integrally formed with therocker sides 56 and the rocker top 58 to form a U-shape. The rocker bar60 can include a support bore 70 that can receive a fastener arrangement72 that can couple the rocker bar 60 with one of the supports 16. Itshould be appreciated that the rocker bar 60 can be integrally formedwith the supports 16. In one illustrative embodiment, the fastenerarrangement can include a post FP1 extending from the supports 16 thatcan be received in one end of the support bore 70, a plurality ofwashers FW1 that can engage either end of the support bore 70, and afastener FF1 that can be received in the other end of the support bore70 and retained within the post FP1 to couple the rocker bar 60 to thesupports 16. The support bore 70 can be positioned such that the centerof the support bore 70 is substantially perpendicular to the rockerpivot axis R1 and substantially parallel to the vertical axis Z1.

The rocker pin 38 can include a rocker pin shaft 74 rotatably retainedwithin rocker pin bearings 76 as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. It shouldbe appreciated that the rocker pin 38 can not include rocker pinbearings 76, and instead, the rocker pin bores 54 of the tilt base 34and/or the rocker pin bores 62 of the tilt rocker 36 can be composed ofbearing quality material, such as, nylon or other bearing qualitymaterials, and/or can be lubricated with a lubricant, such as, graphite,oil, or other lubricants. The rocker pin bearings 76 can be removablymounted within the rocker pin bores 54 of the tilt base 34. It should beappreciated that the tilt rocker 36 can also have rocker pin bearings 76mounted within the rocker pin bores 62 of the tilt rocker 36.

The locking mechanism 40 can be coupled with the base sides 44 and passthrough the locking mechanism bore 52 in the tilt base 34 to engage therotational positioning portion 66 of the tilt rocker 36 as shown inFIGS. 4 and 5. The locking mechanism 40 can lock the tilt base 34 at anangle of about 0°, +10°, and −10° with respect to the tilt rocker 36,where the tilt base 34 is at an angle of about 0° with respect to thetilt rocker 36 when the upper frame 14 is parallel the lower frame 12.It should be appreciated that the tilt base 34 can be pivoted such thatthe tilt base 34 is at an angle of between about −30° and about +30°with respect to the tilt rocker 36. It should also be appreciated thatthe locking mechanism 40 can lock the tilt base 34 with respect to thetilt rocker 36 at any position along an arcuate path traveled by thetilt base 34 as it pivots with respect to the tilt rocker 36 about therocker pivot axis R1.

The locking mechanism 40 can including a locking shaft 78, a lockinghousing 80 with a locking shaft bore 82 therein, and a locking spring(not shown) at least partially positioned within the locking shaft bore82 and engaging a portion of the locking shaft 78 as shown in FIGS. 4and 5. In one illustrative embodiment, the locking mechanism 40 can be amanually actuated spring-loaded pin 40. It should be appreciated thatthe locking mechanism 40 can be a spring loaded plunger, a detent, alocating pin, an indexing pin, a fastener, a swell latch, a slottedlatch or other locking mechanisms. It should also be appreciated thatthe locking mechanism 40 can be actuated by a cable, or can beelectrically, pneumatically, or hydraulically actuated. It should befurther appreciated that the stoppers 48 can be configurable to be alocking mechanism 40. It should be further appreciated that the lockingmechanism 40 can be a locking gas spring, such as, the dampener 142, ora clutch system that allows an operator, i.e., a caregiver, to pivot thetilt base 34 with respect to the tilt rocker 36 and lock the tilt base34 at any position along an arcuate path traveled by the tilt base 34 asit pivots with respect to the tilt rocker 36 about the rocker pivot axisR1.

To affect a locking function, the locking shaft 78 can extend throughthe locking mechanism bore 52 of the tilt base 34 into one of thepositioning bores 68 of the tilt rocker 36 to prevent rotation of thetilt base 34 with respect to the tilt rocker 36, thereby preventingrotation of the upper frame 14 with respect to the supports 16 and thelower frame 12. To affect an unlocking function, the locking shaft 78can be retracted from the positioning bores 68 of the tilt rocker 36into the locking mechanism bore 52 of the tilt base 34 to allow rotationof the tilt base 34 with respect to the tilt rocker 36, which allows forrotation of the upper frame 14 with respect to the supports 16 and thelower frame 12.

The synchronization system 28 can couple with the locking mechanisms 40of the tilt mechanisms 26 to synchronize actuation of the tiltmechanisms 26 as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. The synchronizationsystem 28 can include synchronizing linkages 84 and a synchronizingactuator 86. It should be appreciated that the synchronization system 28can include more than one synchronizing actuator 86 and/or a singlesynchronizing linkage 84. The synchronization system 28 can beaccessible from at least one side or end of the upper frame 14. Thesynchronizing system 28 can allow a user/caregiver to operate the tiltmechanisms 26 with one hand while using the other hand to assist theperson supported on the person support apparatus 10.

The synchronizing linkages 84 can couple with the locking mechanisms 40and the synchronizing actuator 86 as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. Itshould be appreciated that the synchronizing linkages 84 can couple withmultiple synchronizing actuators 86. It should also be appreciated thata single synchronizing linkage 84 can couple with multiple synchronizingactuators 86. In one illustrative embodiment, the synchronizing linkage84 can be a cable 84. It should be appreciated that the synchronizinglinkage 84 can be a cam shaft and linkage arrangement similar to the oneshown in connection with the illustrative embodiment described below, arack and pinion arrangement (not shown), an electronic controller andactuator arrangement (not shown), a hydraulic controller and actuatorarrangement (not shown), a pneumatic controller and actuator arrangement(not shown), or combinations thereof.

The synchronizing actuator 86 can couple with the synchronizing linkages84 and couple with a portion of the upper frame base 24 such that it canbe accessible to an operator as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. It shouldbe appreciated that a synchronizing actuator 86 can couple with each ofthe locking mechanisms 40 with a synchronizing linkage 84 being coupledbetween the synchronizing actuators 86 such that if one of thesynchronizing actuators 86 is actuated then both synchronizing actuators86 actuate. It should also be appreciated that the synchronizingactuator 86 can couple with the lower frame 12, the supports 16, thefootboard FB1, the headboard HB1, a side rail SR1, or other operatoraccessible areas. In one illustrative embodiment, the synchronizingactuator 86 can be a lever 86 adapted to be used with a cable 84. Itshould be appreciated that the synchronizing actuator 86 can be a manualcrank wheel (not shown), an electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic switch(not shown), a foot-pedal arrangement (not shown), or other actuator.

Describing now the operation of these various illustrative embodiments,the locking shafts 78 can be initially positioned such that the lockingshafts 78 extend through the locking mechanism bores 52 into one of thepositioning bores 68 to prevent rotation of the tilt bases 34 withrespect to the tilt rockers 36. To pivot the upper frame 14 with respectto the lower frame 12 and the supports 16, an operator can manuallyactuate the synchronizing actuator 86, which can cause the lockingmechanisms 40 to actuate. It should be appreciated that one of aplurality of synchronizing actuators 82 can be actuated to cause theother synchronizing actuators 82 and/or the locking mechanisms 40 toactuate. The actuation of the locking mechanisms 40 can move the lockingshafts 78 out of the positioning bores 68 such that the locking shafts78 no longer engage the positioning bores 68. Once the locking shafts 78no longer engage the positioning bores 68, the tilt base 34 can berotatable with respect to the tilt rocker 36. The operator can pivot theupper frame 14 about the rocker pivot axis R1 to laterally tilt theupper frame 14 with respect to the lower frame 12 and the supports 16.

As the tilt base 34 pivots with the upper frame 14, the engagingportions 64 can engage the stoppers 48 to limit the rotation of theupper frame 14 with respect to the lower frame 12 and the supports 16.Upon reaching a desired position, such as +15°, 0°, or −15°, theoperator can actuate the synchronizing actuator 86, which can actuatethe locking mechanism 40 and move the locking shafts 78 such that theyare positioned within the positioning bores 68 to maintain the positionof the upper frame 14 with respect to the lower frame 12 and thesupports 16. It should be appreciated that the synchronizing actuator 86can remain actuated while the upper frame 14 is pivoted with respect tothe lower frame 12 and the supports 16 and the be released upon reachinga desired position to maintain the position of the upper frame 14 withrespect to the lower frame 12 and the supports 16.

A person support apparatus 110 according to another illustrativeembodiment of the current disclosure is shown in FIGS. 6-14, whereinlike numerals refer to like features previously described. The personsupport apparatus 110 can include a lower frame 12, an upper frame 114,and supports 16 coupled with the lower frame 12 and the upper frame 114.The upper frame 114 can include longitudinal frame members 22, lateralframe members 24, tilt mechanisms 126, and a synchronization system 128for synchronizing actuation of the tilt mechanisms 126. It should beappreciated that the synchronization system 128 can not be included, andinstead, the tilt mechanisms 126 can be actuated independently orsimultaneously by one or more operators.

The tilt mechanisms 126 can be coupled to the supports 16 and canpivotably couple the upper frame 114 to the supports 16 as illustratedin FIG. 6. The tilt mechanisms 126 can be pivotably coupled to the upperframe 114 and at least one of the tilt mechanisms 126 can be pivotablycoupled to a trolley 30 that can move with respect to the upper frame114. In one illustrative embodiment, one of the tilt mechanisms 126 canbe pivotably coupled to the upper frame 14 via a pin 32 to define afirst pivot axis P1, and another of the tilt mechanisms 126 can bepivotably coupled to the trolley 30 via a pin 32 to define a secondpivot axis P2.

The tilt mechanisms 126 can include a tilt base 134, a tilt rocker 136,a rocker pin 138, and a locking mechanism 140 as illustrated in FIGS.6-14. The tilt rocker 136 and the tilt base 134 can be coupled togetherby way of the rocker pin 38. The tilt base 134 can be pivotable withrespect to the tilt rocker 136 when the locking mechanism 140 is in anunlocked position as shown in FIG. 13, and the tilt base 134 can besubstantially stationary with respect to the tilt rocker 136 when thelocking mechanism 140 is in a locked position as shown in FIGS. 12-13.The tilt base 134 can pivot between about −10° and +10° about the rockerpivot axis R2 with respect to the tilt rocker 136. It should beappreciated that the tilt base 134 can pivot between a magnitude ofabout 30° about the rocker pivot axis R2 with respect to the tilt rocker136, where the tilt base 134 is at an angle of about 0° with respect tothe tilt rocker 136 when the upper frame 114 is parallel the lower frame12. It should also be appreciated that the tilt base 134 can pivot morethan a magnitude of about 30° about the rocker pivot axis R2 withrespect to the tilt rocker 136. In one illustrative embodiment, the tiltmechanism 126 can include a dampener 142 that can be coupled with thetilt rocker 136 and the tilt base 134 to resist rotation of the tiltbase 134 with respect to the tilt rocker 136 as shown in FIG. 14. Itshould be appreciated that the dampener 142 can be configured to operateas the locking mechanism 140, for example, the dampener 142 can be a gaslocking dampener 142. It should also be appreciated that the resistanceof the dampener 142 can increase as the speed of the rotation of thetilt base 134 with respect to the tilt rocker 132 increases.

The tilt base 134 can include base sides 144, base ends 146, and a basetop 148 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The base sides 144 can couple withthe base top 148 to form a U-shape, and the base ends 146 can couplewith the ends of the base sides 144 and the base top 148 to form agenerally rectangular box. The base top 148 can include top openings 150therein that can provide clearance for the tilt rocker 136 when the tiltbase 132 pivots with respect to the tilt rocker 134. It should beappreciated that the top openings 150 can be adapted to limit therotation of the tilt base 134 with respect to the tilt rocker 136. Thebase sides 144 can include locking tensioner bores 152, locking pinslots 154, and a rocker pin bore 156. It should be appreciated that thebase sides 144 can not include locking tensioner bores 152. The lockingtensioner bores 152 can be positioned proximate the base top 148 and thebase ends 146; the rocker pin bore 156 can be positioned proximate thecenter of the base sides 144 and the base top 148, and the locking pinslots 154 can be positioned between the locking tensioner bores 152 andthe rocker pin bore 156.

The tilt rocker 136 can include spacers 160, a positioning portion 162,and a rotation portion 164 as illustrated in FIGS. 10-14. It should beappreciated that the tilt rocker 136 can be integrally formed with thesupports 16. It should also be appreciated that the tilt rocker 136 caninclude multiple positioning potions 162. It should further beappreciated that the tilt rocker 136 can include a locking gas spring ora clutch system instead of the positioning portion 162, which couldallow an operator, i.e., a caregiver, to pivot the tilt base 134 withrespect to the tilt rocker 136 and lock the tilt base 134 at anyposition along an arcuate path traveled by the tilt base 134 as itpivots with respect to the tilt rocker 136 about the rocker pivot axisR2. The spacers 160 can space the positioning portions 162 and therotation portion 164 apart from the tilt base 34. The spacers 160 caninclude rocking pin bores 166 that can be concentrically aligned withthe rocker pin bores 154 of the tilt base 134.

The positioning portion 162 can be located at an end of the tilt rocker136 and the rotation portion 164 can be located proximate the center ofthe tilt rocker 136 as illustrated in FIGS. 10-14. The positioningportions 162 can maintain the upper frame 114 in a desired orientationwith respect to the supports 16 and the lower frame 12. The positioningportions 162 can be generally hook-shaped and can include a lowerpositioning groove 168, a middle positioning groove 170, an upperpositioning surface 172, and separating portions 174 that can bepositioned between the lower positioning groove 168 and the middlepositioning groove 170 and the upper positioning surface 172. It shouldbe appreciated that the positioning portions 162 can be other shapes andcan include additional positioning grooves and/or surfaces. It shouldalso be appreciated that the separating portions 174 can be roundedand/or sloped, which can allow for an easier transition between thelower positioning groove 168, the middle positioning groove 170, and theupper positioning surface 172.

When the middle positioning groove 170 is positioned such that therocker pin 138 is located in the middle positioning groove 170 or inapproximately the same horizontal plane as the middle positioning groove170, the upper frame 114 can be maintained substantially perpendicularthe supports 16 and parallel the lower frame 12, i.e., 0° of rotation,as illustrated in FIG. 13. When the lower positioning groove 168 ispositioned such that the rocker pin 138 is located in the lowerpositioning groove 168 or in approximately the same horizontal plane asthe lower positioning groove 168, the upper frame 114 can be maintainedat approximately −10° rotation with respect to the supports 16 and thelower frame 12 as illustrated in FIG. 12. When the upper positioningsurface 172 is positioned such that the rocker pin 138 is in contactwith the upper positioning surface 172 or in approximately the samehorizontal plane as the upper positioning surface 172, the upper frame114 can be maintained at approximately +10° rotation with respect to thesupports 16 and the lower frame 12 as illustrated in FIG. 11.

The rotation portion 164 can include a rocker pin bore 180 and a supportbore 182 as illustrated in FIGS. 11-13. The rocker pin bore 180 can beconcentrically aligned with the rocking pin bore 156 of the tilt base134. The rocker pin bore 180 can receive and retain the rocker pin 138therewithin. The support bore 182 can receive a fastener arrangement 72that can couple the tilt rocker 136 with one of the supports 16. Itshould be appreciated that the support 16 could be threaded directlyinto the support bore 182. It should be appreciated that the fastenerFF1 could be a set screw or bolt without a head thereon so that the tiltrocker 136 can extend completely through the tilt mechanism 126.

The locking mechanism 140 includes locking arms 184, locking pin 186,locking springs 188, and locking tensioner 190 as illustrated in FIGS.9-13. The locking arms 184 can be rotatably coupled with the tilt base134 and can be used to actuate the locking mechanism 140 and pivot theupper frame 14 about the rocker pivot axis R2. The locking arms 184 canbe pivoted in a first direction to actuate the locking mechanism 140 andmove the locking pin 186 to an unlocked position, as shown in FIG. 13,where the locking pin 186 does not engage the positioning portions 162of the tilt rocker 136 and the tilt base 134 can be pivotable withrespect to the tilt rocker 136. The locking arms 184 can be pivoted in asecond direction to actuate the locking mechanism 140 and move thelocking pin 186 to an locked position, as shown in FIGS. 11-12, suchthat the locking pin 186 engages one of the positioning portions 162 ofthe tilt rocker 136 and maintains the tilt base 134 substantiallystationary with respect to the tilt rocker 136.

The locking arms 184 can include a grip portion 192, locking pin guides194, and a rocker pin portion 196 as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 10-14.The grip portion 192 can include a grip slot 198 that receives a grip200. It should be appreciated that the grip portion 192 can include agrip bore (not shown) instead of the grip slot 198. The grip 200 can bea bar that can extend substantially between the locking arms 184 and canbe retained within the grip slot 198. The grip 200 can be adjustable tomove within the grip slot 198.

The locking pin guides 194 can include a notch guide 202 and a hookguide 204 as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 10-14. The notch guide 202 ofone locking arm 184 can be positioned adjacent the hook guide 204 ofanother locking arm 184 such that the angled guide of the one lockingarm 184 can cooperate with the hook guide 204 of the other locking arm184 to maintain the engagement of the locking pin 186 with the notchguide 202 and the hook guide 204.

The notch guide 202 can include a first angled surface 206 and a secondangled surface 208 as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 10-14. The first angledsurface 206 and the second angled surface 208 can be connected at anotch guide base 210. The first angled surface 206 can be engaged by thelocking pin 186 in a locked position and an unlocked position, while thesecond angled surface 208 can engage the locking pin 186 in the unlockedposition. To achieve an unlocked position, the locking arms 184 can bepivoted about the rocker pivot axis R2 in the first direction to movethe locking pin 186 along the first angled surface 206 toward the notchguide base 210 where the locking pin 186 can engage both the firstangled surface 206 and the second angled surface 208 in the unlockedposition. To achieve a locked position, the locking arms 184 can bepivoted about the rocker pivot axis R2 in the second direction to movethe locking pin 186 along the first angled surface 206 away from thenotch guide base 210 where the locking pin 186 only engages the firstangled surface 206 in the locked position.

The hook guide 204 can include a curved portion 212 and a shank portion214. It should be appreciated that the hook guide 204 can include anangled portion 212 instead of the curved portion 212 as illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 10-14. The curved portion 212 can extend from the shankportion 214 at the hook guide base 216. The curved portion 212 caninclude a curved surface 218 that can engage the locking pin 186 in alocked position and an unlocked position, while the shank portion 214can include a shank surface 220 that can engage the locking pin 186 inthe unlocked position. To achieve an unlocked position, the locking arms184 can be pivoted about the rocker pivot axis R2 in the first directionto move the locking pin 186 along the curved surface 218 away from thehook guide base 216 where the locking pin 186 only engages the curvedsurface 218 in the locked position, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. Toachieve a locked position, the locking arms 184 can be pivoted about therocker pivot axis R2 in the second direction to move the locking pin 186along the curved surface 218 toward the hook guide base 216 where thelocking pin 186 can engage both the curved surface 218 and the shanksurface 220 in the unlocked position, as shown in FIG. 13.

The rocker pin portion 196 can include a rocker pin bore 222 that isadapted to receive the rocker pin 138 as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and10-14. It should be appreciated that the rocker pin portion 196 caninclude a protrusion (not shown) instead of the rocker pin bore 222,where the protrusion engages the tilt base 134 to pivot the locking arms184 with respect to the tilt base 134. It should also be appreciatedthat the rocker pin portion 196 can include a retainer (not shown) thatretains the rocker pin 138 within the rocker pin bore 222.

The locking pin 186 can extend through the locking pin slots 154 of thetilt base 134 and can engage the locking pin guides 194 of the lockingarms 184 and the positioning portion 162 of the tilt rocker 136 asillustrated in FIGS. 8 and 10-14. It should be appreciated that at leasta portion of the locking pin 186, locking pin guides 194, and/or thelocking pin slots 154 can be composed of bearing quality material, suchas, nylon or other bearing quality materials, and/or can be lubricatedwith a lubricant, such as, graphite, oil, or other lubricants. Thelocking pin 186 can include spring grooves 224 that retain an end of thelocking springs 188 therein.

The locking springs 188 can be extension springs that couple with thelocking tensioner 190 and the locking pin 186 shown in FIGS. 9-13. Itshould be appreciated that the locking springs 188 can be elastic bands,such as, rubber bands. It should also be appreciated that a singlelocking spring 188 can be used. The locking springs 188 can pull thelocking pin 186 toward the locking tensioner 190 to maintain theengagement of the locking pin 186 with the positioning portion 162.

The locking tensioner 190 can extend between a pair of the lockingtensioner bores 152 of the tilt base 134 and can be engaged by thelocking springs 188 as illustrated in FIGS. 9-13. The locking tensioner190 can be a solid rod that is removably retained within one pair of thelocking tensioner bores 152, and which can be re-positioned betweenanother pair of the locking tensioner bores 152 to increase or decreasethe amount of tension in the locking springs 188. It should beappreciated that the locking tensioner 190 can be integrally formed withthe tilt base 134. The locking tensioner 190 can include spring grooves(not shown) that retain an end of the locking springs 188 therein.

The synchronization system 128 can couple with the locking mechanisms140 of the tilt mechanisms 126 and the longitudinal frame members 22 ofthe upper frame 114 to synchronize actuation of the tilt mechanisms 126as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. The synchronization system 128 caninclude synchronizing linkages 226 and synchronizing cams 228. It shouldbe appreciated that the synchronization system 128 can not includesynchronizing cams 228 if the space between the grip portion 194

of the locking arms 182 is increased and/or the distance between thetilt mechanisms 126 is decreased. The synchronization system 128 can beaccessible from both sides of the upper frame 114. The synchronizingsystem 128 can allow a user/caregiver to operate the tilt mechanisms 126with one hand while using the other hand to assist the person supportedon the person support apparatus 110.

The synchronizing linkages 226 can be hex-bars 226 that can extendthrough the grip slots 198 of the locking arms 184 and be movable withinthe grip slots 198 as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. It should beappreciated that the synchronizing linkages 226 can be a rod or tube orother rigid elongated member, and can be curved, triangular, polygonal,or other shapes. It should also be appreciated that the synchronizinglinkages 226 can be cables as described above. The synchronizinglinkages 226 can simultaneously actuate the locking arms 184 as thesynchronizing linkages 226 are moved along the vertical axis Z1.

The synchronizing cams 228 can engage the synchronizing linkages 226 andcan cause the synchronizing linkages 226 to move substantially uniformlywith respect to the longitudinal frame members 22 as illustrated inFIGS. 6 and 7. The synchronizing cams 228 can include an upper framecoupler 230 and a synchronizing linkage bore 232. The upper framecoupler 230 can be rotatably coupled with the longitudinal frame members22 of the upper frame base 126 between the tilt mechanisms 126. Itshould be appreciated that the synchronizing cams 228 can be coupledwith the longitudinal frame members 22 anywhere along the longitudinalframe members 22. The synchronizing linkage bore 232 can rotatablyengage the synchronizing linkages 226.

Describing now the operation of these various illustrative embodiments,the upper frame 114 can be initially positioned such that the upperframe 114 is substantially parallel the lower frame 12, i.e., atapproximately 0° of rotation. In this position the locking arms 184 canbe positioned such that the locking pin 186 can be located within themiddle positioning groove 170, thereby preventing rotation of the tiltbase 134 with respect to the tilt rocker 136 and maintaining theorientation thereof.

In order to pivot the upper frame 114 with respect to the supports 16and the lower frame 12, the locking arms 184 can be actuated to move thelocking pin 186 out of the middle positioning groove 170 to the unlockedposition. The locking arms 184 can be actuated by an operator grippingthe synchronizing linkage 226 and the longitudinal frame member 22coupled with the synchronizing cam 228, and moving the synchronizinglinkage 226 toward the longitudinal frame member 22. It should beappreciated that the operator can grip the synchronizing linkage 226 tomove the synchronizing linkage 226 toward the longitudinal frame member22 coupled with the synchronizing cam 228. As the locking arms 184 areactuated, the notch guide 202 and the hook guide 204 can cooperate tourge the locking pin 186 along the first angled surface 206 of the notchguide 202 toward the notch guide base 210 and along the curved portion212 of the hook guide 204 away from the hook guide base 216, therebycausing the locking pin 186 to move from the locked position within themiddle positioning groove 170 to the unlocked position out of the middlepositioning groove 170.

Once the locking pin 186 is in the unlocked position, the tilt base 134can be free to pivot with respect to the tilt rocker 136, allowing theoperator to manually pivot the upper frame 114 with respect to thesupports 16 and the lower frame 12. The locking arms 184 can bemaintained in the actuated position as the upper frame 114 is pivotedwith respect to the lower frame 12 and the supports 16.

In order to substantially maintain the orientation of the upper frame114 with respect to the lower frame 12 and the supports 16 upon theupper frame 114 reaching a desired angle of rotation, the user canrelease the synchronizing linkage 226 to actuate the locking arms 184and move the locking pin 186 from the unlocked position to the lockedposition. It should be appreciated that the operator can move thesynchronizing linkage 226 away from the longitudinal frame member 22 toactuate the locking arms 184 and move the locking pin 186 to the lockedposition. As the locking arms 184 are actuated, the notch guide 202 andthe hook guide 204 can cooperate to urge the locking pin 186 along thefirst angled surface 206 of the notch guide 202 away from the angleguide base 210 and along the curved portion 212 of the hook guide 204toward the hook guide base 216, thereby causing the locking pin 186 tomove from the unlocked position outside the positioning grooves/surface168, 170, 172 to the locked position engaging one of the positioninggrooves/surface 168, 170, 172.

Many other embodiments of the present disclosure are also envisioned.For example, a person support apparatus comprises a lower frame, asupport coupled to the lower frame, and an upper frame. The upper framehas a head section and a foot section and defines a longitudinal axispassing through the head section and the foot section and a lateral axissubstantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The upper frameincludes a tilt mechanism that pivotably couples the upper frame to thesupport. The tilt mechanism includes a force sensor and defines a pivotaxis. The upper frame is pivotable about the pivot axis with respect tothe lower frame.

In another example, a person support apparatus comprises a lower frame,a plurality of supports coupled to the lower frame, an upper frame, anda synchronization system. The upper frame has a head section and a footsection and defines a longitudinal axis passing through the head sectionand the foot section and a lateral axis substantially perpendicular tothe longitudinal axis. The upper frame includes a plurality of tiltmechanisms that pivotably couple the upper frame to the supports. Thetilt mechanisms are coaxially aligned and define a pivot axis. The pivotaxis is substantially parallel the longitudinal axis. The upper frame ispivotable about the pivot axis with respect to the lower frame. Thesynchronization system is configured to actuate the tilt mechanismssubstantially simultaneously to one of change and maintain the lateralorientation of the upper frame with respect to the lower frame.

In yet another example, a person support apparatus comprises a lowerframe, a support coupled to the lower frame, and an upper frame. Theupper frame has a head section and a foot section and defines alongitudinal axis passing through the head section and the foot sectionand a lateral axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.The upper frame includes a tilt mechanism pivotably coupling the upperframe to the support. The tilt mechanism defines a pivot axis andtranslates generally along the pivot axis with respect to the upperframe as the upper frame pivots about the pivot axis with respect to thelower frame.

In still another example, a person support apparatus comprises a lowerframe, a support coupled to the lower frame, and an upper frame. Theupper frame has a head section and a foot section and defines alongitudinal axis passing through the head section and the foot sectionand a lateral axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.The upper frame includes a tilt mechanism that pivotably couples theupper frame to the support. The tilt mechanism includes a base and arocker nested within the base. The base and the rocker are pivotablewith respect to one another about a pivot axis that passes through thebase and the rocker and is substantially parallel the longitudinal axis.The upper frame is pivotable about the pivot axis with respect to thelower frame.

In still another example, a person support apparatus comprises a lowerframe, a support coupled to the lower frame, and an upper frame. Theupper frame has a head section and a foot section and defines alongitudinal axis passing through the head section and the foot sectionand a lateral axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.The upper frame includes a tilt mechanism that is pivotably coupled tothe upper frame and that pivotably couples the upper frame to thesupports. The tilt mechanism defines a first pivot axis generallyparallel the lateral axis and a second pivot axis generally parallel thelongitudinal axis. The tilt mechanism is pivotable about the first pivotaxis with respect to the upper frame when the upper frame is movedbetween a Trendelenburg position and a reverse Trendelenburg position.The upper frame is manually pivotable about the second pivot axis withrespect to the lower frame.

Any theory, mechanism of operation, proof, or finding stated herein ismeant to further enhance understanding of principles of the presentdisclosure and is not intended to make the present disclosure in any waydependent upon such theory, mechanism of operation, illustrativeembodiment, proof, or finding. It should be understood that while theuse of the word preferable, preferably or preferred in the descriptionabove indicates that the feature so described may be more desirable, itnonetheless may not be necessary and embodiments lacking the same may becontemplated as within the scope of the disclosure, that scope beingdefined by the claims that follow. In reading the claims it is intendedthat when words such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” “at least a portion”are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only one itemunless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When thelanguage “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” is used the item mayinclude a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated tothe contrary. While embodiments of the disclosure have been illustratedand described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, thesame are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive incharacter, it being understood that only the selected embodiments havebeen shown and described and that all changes, modifications andequivalents that come within the spirit of the disclosure as definedherein or by any of the following claims are desired to be protected.

1. A person support apparatus, comprising a lower frame; a support coupled to the lower frame; and an upper frame having a head section and a foot section and defining a longitudinal axis passing through the head section and the foot section and a lateral axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the upper frame including a tilt mechanism pivotably coupling the upper frame to the support, the tilt mechanism including a force sensor and defining a pivot axis, the upper frame being pivotable about the pivot axis with respect to the lower frame.
 2. The person support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tilt mechanism is translatable generally along the pivot axis with respect to the upper frame.
 3. The person support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tilt mechanism is pivotable about a second pivot axis with respect to the upper frame.
 4. The person support apparatus of claim 3, wherein the pivot axis is substantially parallel the longitudinal axis and the second pivot axis is substantially parallel the lateral axis.
 5. The person support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tilt mechanism includes a dampener configured to adjust the rate of rotation of the upper frame with respect to the lower frame.
 6. The person support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the upper frame is movable between a supine position and a chair position.
 7. The person support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tilt mechanism includes a base and a rocker nested within the base, the base and the rocker being pivotable with respect to one another about the pivot axis.
 8. A person support apparatus, comprising: a lower frame; a plurality of supports coupled to the lower frame; an upper frame having a head section and a foot section and defining a longitudinal axis passing through the head section and the foot section and a lateral axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the upper frame including a plurality of tilt mechanisms pivotably coupling the upper frame to the supports, the tilt mechanisms being coaxially aligned and defining a pivot axis, the pivot axis being substantially parallel the longitudinal axis, the upper frame being pivotable about the pivot axis with respect to the lower frame; and a synchronization system configured to actuate the tilt mechanisms substantially simultaneously to one of change and maintain the lateral orientation of the upper frame with respect to the lower frame.
 9. The person support apparatus of claim 8, wherein at least one of the plurality of tilt mechanisms is translatable generally along the pivot axis with respect to the upper frame.
 10. The person support apparatus of claim 8, wherein the tilt mechanisms are pivotable about a second pivot axes with respect to the upper frame.
 11. The person support apparatus of claim 8, wherein the synchronization system includes at least one of a cable assembly, a linkage assembly, and a cam assembly.
 12. The person support apparatus of claim 8, wherein the tilt mechanisms include a locking mechanism configured to maintain an orientation of the upper frame with respect to the lower frame, the locking mechanisms configured to be actuated substantially simultaneously by the synchronization system.
 13. A person support apparatus, comprising: a lower frame; a support coupled to the lower frame; and an upper frame having a head section and a foot section and defining a longitudinal axis passing through the head section and the foot section and a lateral axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the upper frame including a tilt mechanism pivotably coupling the upper frame to the support, the tilt mechanism defining a pivot axis and translating generally along the pivot axis with respect to the upper frame as the upper frame pivots about the pivot axis with respect to the lower frame.
 14. The person support apparatus of claim 13, wherein the tilt mechanism is pivotable about a second pivot axes with respect to the upper frame.
 15. The person support apparatus of claim 14, wherein the pivot axis is substantially parallel the longitudinal axis and the second pivot axis is substantially parallel the lateral axis.
 16. The person support apparatus of claim 14, wherein the upper frame is movable between a supine position and a chair position.
 17. The person support apparatus of claim 14, wherein the tilt mechanism translates generally along the pivot axis with respect to the upper frame as the upper frame is moved between a Trendelenburg position and reverse Trendelenburg position.
 18. A person support apparatus, comprising: a lower frame; a support coupled to the lower frame; and an upper frame having a head section and a foot section and defining a longitudinal axis passing through the head section and the foot section and a lateral axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the upper frame including a tilt mechanism pivotably coupling the upper frame to the support, the tilt mechanism including a base and a rocker nested within the base, the base and the rocker being pivotable with respect to one another about a pivot axis that passes through the base and the rocker and is substantially parallel the longitudinal axis, the upper frame being pivotable about the pivot axis with respect to the lower frame.
 19. The person support apparatus of claim 18, wherein the tilt mechanism includes a dampener coupled between the rocker and the base, the dampener being configured to adjust the rate of rotation of the upper frame with respect to the lower frame.
 20. The person support apparatus of claim 18, wherein the tilt mechanism is translatable generally along the pivot axis with respect to the upper frame.
 21. The person support apparatus of claim 18, wherein the tilt mechanism is pivotable about a second pivot axes with respect to the upper frame, the second pivot axes being substantially parallel the lateral axis.
 22. The person support apparatus of claim 18, wherein the upper frame is manually pivoted about the pivot axis.
 23. The person support apparatus of claim 18, wherein the tilt mechanism includes a force sensor.
 24. A person support apparatus, comprising: a lower frame; a support coupled to the lower frame; and an upper frame having a head section and a foot section and defining a longitudinal axis passing through the head section and the foot section and a lateral axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the upper frame including a tilt mechanism pivotably coupled to the upper frame and pivotably coupling the upper frame to the supports, the tilt mechanism defining a first pivot axis generally parallel the lateral axis and a second pivot axis generally parallel the longitudinal axis, the tilt mechanism being pivotable about the first pivot axis with respect to the upper frame when the upper frame is moved between a Trendelenburg position and a reverse Trendelenburg position, the upper frame being manually pivotable about the second pivot axis with respect to the lower frame.
 25. The person support apparatus of claim 24, wherein the tilt mechanism is not one of a universal joint and a ball-in-socket joint.
 26. The person support apparatus of claim 28, wherein the tilt mechanism includes a dampener configured to adjust the rate of rotation of the upper frame with respect to the lower frame.
 27. The person support apparatus of claim 28, wherein the tilt mechanism includes a force sensor.
 28. The person support apparatus of claim 28, wherein the first pivot axis is translatable generally along the second pivot axis with respect to the upper frame when the upper frame is moved between a Trendelenburg position and a reverse Trendelenburg position. 